For Goodness Sake reading

Question 1

What are the justifications given for the dialectical approach?

Answer 1

• The notion that the tension generated by this approach is important and necessary for the cultivation of our Christian life.

Question 2

When should dialectics only be used?

Answer 2

Dialectics should come into play as a ‘last resort’, when our intellectual efforts at satisfactory resolution are frustrated.

Question 3

What is the proposed approach to dialectics?

Answer 3

1. Accept the rational contradiction created by two opposing assertions if both are established by Scripture and tradition.
2. Opposition of the dialectic is resolved in a higher synthesis.

Question 4

Who referred to the three transcendentals of “the true, the good and the beautiful” and noted the tendency of Western theology to emphasize the first at the expense of the other two, placing rationality at the centre?

Answer 4

Colin Gunton

Question 5

How does the writer see goodness as a legitimate end of Christian theology?

Answer 5

• We should not be afraid to compromise our search for a rational grasp of the faith if this promotes the cause of goodness.
• We should be ready to accept a synthesis between two opposing notions that does not reside in the field of rationality, but in practical Christian living.

Question 6

What is Schleiermacher’s teaching on petitionary prayer?

Answer 6

• Prayer must be understood in the light of God’s absolute sovereignty.
• Petitionary prayer does not change anything at the end of the day.
• The real benefit of such prayer is that it teaches us to submit our wills to God’s.

Question 7

What are the Open Theists’ approach to petitionary prayer?

Answer 7

• God has left the outcome of many future events undetermined.
• Our petitionary prayers are a key factor in moving these events towards one resolution or another.